Katie, the kitten who showed up on our porch twenty years ago and declared that she was adopting us, has reached the steep portion of life's long slippery slope. Over the last few years, she'd been growing steadily more frail. This last week, she began having some difficulty breathing and the vet had to pull lots of liquid from her lungs. Katie has a much-enlarged heart, and her lungs have collapsed to the point of being barely there. She's weak and wobbly on her feet.

For the moment, removing the fluid has eased her breathing, but it's a temporary fix. We're giving her cuddles and strokes and keeping her comfortable, but we're also preparing to say goodbye. We're not going to let her suffer, and if... when... the lungs begin to fill again, it will be time. It's going to be hard; she's been part of our life for so long...

From: [identity profile] jbru.livejournal.com


I'm so very sorry. Our dog, Brandy, went through a similar decline last year. It is so difficult to watch a loved-one suffer. Twenty years is a good long life for a cat and evidence that you did very well by her. I wish Katie and you a peaceful passing.

From: [identity profile] terrymcgarry.livejournal.com


Oh, boy. Hugs for all of you, and an extra one to celebrate those twenty years.

From: [identity profile] affinity8.livejournal.com


I'm very sorry to hear about Katie. She's lucky to have you comforting her in these final days. It sounds like she had a great life and hopefully she will have a peaceful passing. My sympathies.

From: [identity profile] adarkjewel.livejournal.com

My heart hurts for you.


From my house of cats to yours, may Katie find peace and comfort in her final days. *hug*

From: [identity profile] greenmtnboy18.livejournal.com


I'm so sorry. It sounds like the right decision, but that doesn't mean it's not terribly difficult. :-(

From: [identity profile] piratejenny.livejournal.com


My condolances. It's so hard to loose such a part of the family.

From: [identity profile] ontology101.livejournal.com

To Katie!


What a smart kitten to have picked your house! Many years sharing the love and devotion of four people and various other pets. She has had a very good life and will be okay when she leaves this earth ~ because she had you.

Hugs,

Anne

From: (Anonymous)

You Kitty


I am so sorry you lost your kitty.
.